Join Adventurous Women Owner Sue Hile, as she takes you on a journey of discovery throughout Sri Lanka, a destination she truly believes provides everything you could want in a holiday. Including ancient ruins, lush tea plantations, stunning waterfalls, great hikes, rolling hills, tropical beaches & national parks full of amazing wildlife. Explore ancient cities, temples, monuments, history and architecture dating back to the colonial period - Highlighting the Best!

Day 1 - Saturday 1st November, 2014

Arrival and transfer to Hotel in Negombo - relax and settle in.

Catamaran Beach Hotel, Negombo - D

Day 2 - Sunday 2nd November, 2014

After breakfast undertake a boat cruise through the Muthurajawela Nature Reserve and enjoy unique bird life, small animals, mangroves and freshwater environments.

Drive onto Pinnawala and observe closely, large groups of elephants freely bathing in the nearby river. These Elephants are lead to the river from Elephant Orphanage across the road, where we can visit after the bathing. Here we will find out more information on how they are being cared for and why they are there. You will see the staff bottle feeding some of the baby ones at the end of the day.

Straight after feeding of baby elephants, we drive onto our accommodation at Kandy.

Thilanka Hotel, Kandy - B, D

Day 3 - Monday 3rd November, 2014

In the morning visit the Tooth Relic Temple - by far the most important place of worship for Buddhists, world over. Then enjoy your own leisure time (swimming pool, shopping, spa or relax) until late afternoon when our guide takes us to a nearby Gem Museum to learn how gems are mined in Sri Lanka, then onto enjoy a Cultural Performance by traditional Kandyan Dancers and Drummers including devotional “Fire Walking”.

Thilanka Hotel, Kandy - B, D

Day 4 - Tuesday 4th November, 2014

Day of Leisure for you to enjoy (swimming, shopping, walking around the lake, spa) or take an (optional) visit to the Botanical Gardens.

Enroute visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, considered to be the largest painted caves in the world with more than 22,000 sq ft of painted surfaces with many paintings, sculptures, statues of Lord Buddha, his disciples, Kings, Gods.

In Polonnaruwa, visit the many sites of archaeological and historic interest in the Ancient City including the Royal Place, Rankoth Vehera, Gal Viharaya with magnificent rock carvings, World Heritage Sites, Kumara Pokuna (Prince’s Pond), Vatadage, Hatadage - different types of shrine rooms, Siva Devalayas which clearly show the influence Hinduism had on Buddhism during that period of history. The Standing Statue which has still not been properly identified by travelling along the dam of the massive Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama) etc and the Museum designed and constructed with dutch aid.

Hotel Sudu Araliya, Polonnaruwa - B, D

Day 6 - Thursday 6th November, 2014

After breakfast climb the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, a Royal Citadel for 20 years in the 5th Century AD built by King Kasyapa, with contemporary paintings of Ajantha and Ellora Caves in India. Highlights being the Frescoes, Mirror Wall and the Lions Paw. We then arrive at our accommodation where you can enjoy your own leisure time, or our driver can take you to a nearby Ayurvedic Centre to enjoy a traditional massage (Optional Extra)

Late afternoon - visit the Minneriya National Park to undertake a Jeep Safari and see wildlife in their natural habitat.

Sigiriya Village, Sigiriya - B, D

Day 7 - Friday 7th November, 2014

After breakfast we leave for Nuwara Eliya - “Little England”.

Enroute visit Nalanda Gedige, the centre point of Sri Lanka, then enjoy a conducted tour of a Spice Garden and gain knowledge about the growth and uses of spices in the day to day life in Sri Lanka. We then drive through rolling hills covered with tea plantations and cascading waterfalls, to visit a Tea Factory and Plantation, where we witness the manufacturing process of the world famous “Ceylon Tea”. After, we stop in for lunch with a ‘view’ at the Tea Bush Restaurant, Rambola Oya.

On arrival at Nuwara Eilya, enjoy your own leisure time. Your Adventurous Women Host or Local Guide can advise you of places of interest nearby, should you wish to explore.

Heaven Seven Hotel, Nuwara Eilya - B, D

Day 8 - Saturday 8th November, 2014

Early morning, (5am) leave for the Horton Plains - Sri Lanka’s most isolated plateau situated 1860 meters above sea level and one of the most beautiful spots in the central highlands of Sri Lanka.

Start hiking to visit the Worlds End - a sheer precipice of more than 1050 meters, on a clear day, we will enjoy amazing views. Then proceed to visit pristine Baker’s Falls, set amidst dense green forests, where many rhododendron and fern bushes can be seen. Wildlife is also a big attraction in this National Park, where you’ll often find Sambar Deer freely grazing among the wild grasses of the plains.

Proceed to Ella and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Mountain Heaven Hotel, Ella - B, D

Day 9 - Sunday 9th November, 2014

Today is a full day of leisure time in beautiful Ella, where you can enjoy the surrounds, relax, take a walk, or perhaps treat yourself to an Ayurvedic Massage or Treatment.

Grab yourself some supplies for a picnic lunch tomorrow, to enjoy while on our mountain trek..

Mountain Heaven Hotel, Ella - B, D

Day 10 - Monday 10th November, 2014

After breakfast, transfer to Ella Railway Station where we travel by train to Idalgashinna, enjoying the stunning scenery en-route.

Start mountain trekking through Tea Plantations, Jungles, Grasslands, Rainforest and Villages (approximately 3 hours, mostly downhill) before reaching the Colombo - Badulla Highway and pickup transfer by vehicle to our accommodation. Leisure time to relax, enjoy the surrounds, take a bike ride, read a book or play one of the board games available for your use.

Water Garden Hotel, Belihuloya - B, D

Day 11 - Tuesday 11th November, 2014

Drive to Galle and transfer to guest house - Leisure time to explore Galle Forte.

Accommodation - To be confirmed - B

Day 12 - Wednesday 12th November, 2014

Enjoy a leisurely morning, continuing to explore Galle Fort if you wish, perhaps take part in a Sri Lankan Cooking Class or simply sit back in one of the little cafes, enjoying the ambience. We will check out of our accommodation at 11.00am, our driver will collect our bags and then meet with us again at 3.00pm. During this ‘free’ time, you may like to join Sue for lunch at one of her local favourites, then jump in a tuk-tuk and head outside the fort to explore the shops, markets and street eats. Buy a Sari at a bargain price - Sue will take you to a ‘local’ shop, you’ll love!

We will then drive to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, where we learn about their work in trying to preserve turtles’ eggs and to release them safely into the ocean. This hatchery is also home and shelter for injured turtles, trapped by fishing nets, or to those born with any kind of handicap and are unable to survive in their natural habitat. After a tour of the hatchery just on nightfall, we may have an opportunity to release some of the new babies into the ocean (additional cost)

After the sun goes down, we leave for our accommodation in Bentota where on arrival, we enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal at this riverside location.

Marina Riverside, Aluthgama - B, D

Day 13 - Thursday 13th November, 2014

After breakfast we leave for Negombo, arriving at our accommodation around lunch time, giving us plenty of time to relax, do any last minute souvenir shopping, perhaps cool off in the pool or take a walk on the beach.

Catamaran Beach Hotel, Negombo - B D

Day 14 - Friday 14th November, 2014

Transfer to Airport for departure. - B

'Financial' Adventurous Women Club Members - $3295

General Public Price - $3495

This tour is designed for active women (climbing stairs and walking over uneven ground in tropical climate) with plenty of surprising little treats & pampering along the way....

INCLUSIONS:

Adventurous Women Tour Escort throughout the trip

Accommodation on twin share basis with 13 breakfasts and 12 dinners

Transport in an A/C vehicle with the services of an English speaking Driver and Local Tour Guide Entrance Fees to the tourist sites listed in the programme

Jeep Hire with the Tracker’s services

All Taxes

EXCLUSIONS:

International Flights (Your Adventurous Women Host Can Assist You With Booking Your Flights To Meet With the Group)

Visa’s

Meals not on itinerary

Tips & Gratuities

Personal expenses and optional excursions

NOTE: A Deposit of AU$600.00 is required to secure your place on this tour. Click on the Book Now Button below to submit a booking form. We will then notify you of receipt and provide you with a Tax Invoice to enable you to complete your payment.

NO PRINCESS POLICY - This tour by it's very nature is not designed for the 5 Star Traveller. It is for the girl who has an 'adventurous spirit' and is looking for a unique and rewarding 'experience' (Once in a Lifetime)! You should be able to adopt a "Go With The Flow" attitude, after-all we are in a foreign country and things don't always go to plan...this will help you chill out and therefore get the best out of your holiday. You will also need to be mobile without assistance - some of the sights require you to be on your feet, navigating steps and uneven surfaces at times. We also have a couple of walks as part of this tour - these walks can be achieved by anyone with a general level of fitness, but again mobility is the key, as with all of our tours.

Location

Please note map locations and route are approximate only

No Princess Policy

This tour by it's very nature is not designed for the 5 Star Traveller. It is for the girl who has an 'adventurous spirit' and is looking for a unique and rewarding experience (Once in a Lifetime)! You should be able to adopt a "Go With The Flow" attitude, after-all we are in a foreign country and things don't always go to plan...this will help you chill out and therefore get the best out of your holiday. You will also need to be mobile without assistance - some of the sights require you to be on your feet, navigating steps and uneven surfaces at times. We also have a couple of walks as part of this tour - these walks can be achieved by anyone with a general level of fitness, but again mobility is the key, as with all of our tours.

The trip was interesting, exciting, challenging and occasionally relaxing. I loved every minute, I can't think of anything that could improve the trip. As with all of my AW trips so far, the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. No expectations placed upon us, just be ourselves and enjoy.

The trip was interesting, exciting, challenging and occasionally relaxing. I loved every minute, I can't think of anything that could improve the trip. As with all of my AW trips so far, the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. No expectations placed upon us, just be ourselves and enjoy.

The trip was interesting, exciting, challenging and occasionally relaxing. I loved every minute, I can't think of anything that could improve the trip. As with all of my AW trips so far, the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. No expectations placed upon us, just be ourselves and enjoy.

The Camino Portuguese was fantastic! I very much enjoyed walking through various landscapes, the villages, the Portugese people, the churches, the environment, the feeling to be on a pilgrimage and making my way to Santiago de Compostela. Each day is a highlight with different experiences. Walking into Santiago on the last day and reaching the cathedral after all those days walking is very special.

I have made new friends, and as always, our guide Sue O was fantastic!

The Camino Portuguese was fantastic! I very much enjoyed walking through various landscapes, the villages, the Portugese people, the churches, the environment, the feeling to be on a pilgrimage and making my way to Santiago de Compostela. Each day is a highlight with different experiences. Walking into Santiago on the last day and reaching the cathedral after all those days walking is very special.

I have made new friends, and as always, our guide Sue O was fantastic!

The Camino Portuguese was fantastic! I very much enjoyed walking through various landscapes, the villages, the Portugese people, the churches, the environment, the feeling to be on a pilgrimage and making my way to Santiago de Compostela. Each day is a highlight with different experiences. Walking into Santiago on the last day and reaching the cathedral after all those days walking is very special.

I have made new friends, and as always, our guide Sue O was fantastic!

This tour had us covering a lot of territory as there was much to see.So pleased that the tour started in Osaka as nature provided the cherry blossoms a little early and it was our opportunity to see them in proliferation. I was so thankful for the help of our Japanese guide as I am a coeliac and she helped me experience the food which would have been very difficult otherwise.

This tour had us covering a lot of territory as there was much to see.So pleased that the tour started in Osaka as nature provided the cherry blossoms a little early and it was our opportunity to see them in proliferation. I was so thankful for the help of our Japanese guide as I am a coeliac and she helped me experience the food which would have been very difficult otherwise.

This tour had us covering a lot of territory as there was much to see.So pleased that the tour started in Osaka as nature provided the cherry blossoms a little early and it was our opportunity to see them in proliferation. I was so thankful for the help of our Japanese guide as I am a coeliac and she helped me experience the food which would have been very difficult otherwise.

Cancellation & Refunds

Domestic Travel

Notice of cancellation must be in writing, with an email as an acceptable form of communication, directly to Adventurous Women with the following conditions:

60 days plus prior to trip departure - Loss of deposit

59 - 30 days prior to trip departure - 50% Of The Tour Cost

29 - 15 days prior to trip departure - 75% Of The Tour Cost

Within 14 days of the trip departure - 100% Of The Tour Cost

Overseas Travel

Each of our Tour Operators/Service Providers have their own booking conditions & cancellation policy over and above those of Adventurous Women's booking conditions, please ensure you request them and read them carefully. Adventurous Women's Cancellation Policy can be viewed at the bottom of this website under the heading 'Cancellation Policy'. Please ensure you read it carefully, as by paying your deposit, you acknowledge that you accept this cancellation policy, over and above that of our Service Providers.